[sbbtool]

Hello all,

I recently picked up a 03 zx-6r and I love it. Im having a problem shifting though and Im not sure if its me or the bike. When I am accelerating in first and shift into second, sometimes it jumps to neutral. This is really annoying because I will have to pull over if I am going fast otherwise when I shift back down into 1st it goes in so hard I feel like I might damage something. Any ideas on whats going on? Sometimes its difficult to get it into neutral also, like at a stop light. Any info is much appreciated!

 

[beansbaxter]

If you have trouble shifting it into neutral at a shift light, sometimes I find it helpful to roll the bike a little bit. Somtimes you will hear a small clicking sound within the bike and then it pops right into neutral. I find this happens more on Ducati's then on Kawi's.

Regarding the general shifting problems you mentioned, the first thing I would do is drop your oil and change it out to some fresh stuff. Since it's an 03, I am assuming it is used so its probably a good idea to do that anyway if it hasnt been done.

Then I would check all of the external parts from the left-side rearset to the shifting connections within the case. Make sure everything is aligned up. The pivot joint closest to the case should have a mark that needs to be set centered. I suspect it is fine, but its something to look at.

Keep us posted on this...

 

[sbbtool]

good tip about rolling the bike to get into neutral, ill try it out tomorrow. as for the oil, i changed it right after i bought the bike, it did help make the shifting a little smoother, but thats about it. ill look at the things you mentioned in the morning, thanks for the quick response!

 

[Shortcircuit]

As Beans said, also make sure the bolt that clamps the linkage onto the splined shaft is tight, part 13242.

Have a look on http://www.buykawasaki.com/Default.asp? click on Motorcycle & select your model bike & look up the parts diagrams & find 'GEAR CHANGE MECHANISM'

Also make sure the chain slack is adjusted correctly & also the slack on the clutch cable is not too much.

 

[06ZX-10R]

one problem may be that you aren't making the full shift motion. if you only go half way it won't be in gear yet when you let out the clutch.

 

[slim1100]

also try preloading the shift before pulling the clutch...... this may help
cheers

 

[sbbtool]

well im starting to think that it was my error. i dont think that i was making the full motion up with my foot. it hasnt done it since i have been really paying attention to making the full motion. thanks again guys!

 

[Shortcircuit]

What footwear are you wearing?
Proper motorcycle boots help a lot for shifting especially on the upshift.
Also check gearlever is adjusted to suit your foot position on the peg for shifting, the tie rod #39111 is adjustable.

 

[slim1100]

good point ... runners are not good for the up shift

 

[sbbtool]

just my normal shoes, i dont have any riding boots